A Paengaroa teenager has become the youngest person to win the world championship in clay target shooting.

Seventeen-year-old James Sullivan took the top spot above 483 competitors from around the world over three days of competition at Bywell Shooting Ground in Northumberland, England last Sunday.

“We’re absolutely over the moon,” says John Beaver from Whakatane Clay Shooting Club.

“We’re a small club and James has been with us since he was 11 years old so we’re all thrilled for him.”

James is the youngest World DTL Championship winner ever and he also won the Junior event.

He shot 299/300 targets and tied with Daniel Price from England and after shooting a further 75, he went on to win the title just three points ahead of his nearest competitor.

“It was a massive thing. I shouldn’t really have won because he had it in the bag,” says James.

“I was in the lane next to Daniel so I saw him miss his fourth target. I kept calm and cool and ‘parked the bus’ and ended up shooting perfectly. It was pretty amazing.”

James Sullivan in action.

The New Zealand Clay Target Association describes it as a remarkable achievement for a person so young.

“James’ win at the 2024 World Championship is truly outstanding,” says executive officer Adrienne Sears.

“He competed against the best from around the world and achieved both the Juniors win for shooters under 21, and was the overall winner. James has worked hard to achieve these results and is a regular competitor both at local and national events.”

- SunLive